Windows 9 (Threshold) is rumored to have more powerful update functionality

Recent leaks from WinBeta, as well as Neowin, have unveiled Microsoft’s plan to give Windows a serious improvement over predecessors. Currently, Windows can update itself to fix bugs or security holes, but maybe in the future Windows will be able to easily upgrade the operating system too. Currently, in internal builds of Windows 9, this functionality is available.

When the technical preview is released to customers, this ability to upgrade the build from Windows Update may or may not be present. Nevertheless, Microsoft may build this functionality into the final release of the operating system. Giving customers a simple and reliable way to upgrade their OS without reformatting and reinstalling their system would be a well received feature.

This feature also aligns with Microsoft’s plan to increase the speed of their release cycle. On a rapid release cycle, Microsoft needs to be able to deliver features in smaller sizes to get them to customers faster. Smaller feature sets means more builds of Windows, this would mean users would need a way to make incremental changes to their build without refreshing their computers every time.

Having the ability for Microsoft to make more rapid changes to its OS also enables them to react faster to a changing market. In the future, Microsoft will be able to deliver more substantial fixes to Windows based on feedback and the current state of the art.